The Honest Man’s Counterattack 2003

Qian Dapeng spoke bitterly, "I've always been timid by nature, scared to take action. I feel very upset about it in my heart too."

Zhao Feng spoke in an annoyed tone, "If you can't get into a good university, why not join the army and toughen up your courage? Otherwise, once you enter society, even if you find a girlfriend, you'll have to start over from scratch."

Qian Dapeng nodded and said, "Thank you for your advice, Brother Feng. I understand."

Bai Jiaxin listened intently the entire time. She noticed that Zhao Feng's aura was extremely powerful, instantly overwhelming the entire scene. Whether it was Zhu Yiqun or Qian Dapeng, when faced with Zhao Feng, they had no choice but to kneel and respectfully call him "Brother Feng." This interaction created a strange and uneasy dynamic that was quite unexpected.

In particular...

Zhao Feng's eyes carried a cruel glint, his entire presence radiating a sense of menace, as though he was born for great endeavors.

The Zhao Feng now was vastly different from the honest, timid person he had been before. These two completely opposite personalities had merged seamlessly, forming an incredibly magnetic and imposing figure.

Bai Jiaxin grew increasingly curious—who was Zhao Feng, really? How could his personality be so variable? It appeared that the formerly timid, obedient Zhao Laoshi might have simply been a disguise he used to deceive others.

Zhao Feng said, "You still aren't giving up your seat? Bai, you've been standing for so long without the foresight."

Qian Dapeng came back to his senses, quickly standing up, a playful grin on his face as he said, "Bai, please take a seat."

Bai Jiaxin hesitated to accept, considering her refined upbringing and her values of helping the elderly or weak. However, Zhao Feng didn't care about this at all. He pulled Bai Jiaxin to sit, gripping the armrest on both sides of the seat, and said with curiosity, "Scared, huh? If you encounter bad people in the future, just shout for help at the top of your lungs or dial the number Yao Yao Zero with your phone, and you won't be at a disadvantage."

Bai Jiaxin took out her Samsung flip phone, its pink exterior gleaming. The phone was a new model, priced at over eight thousand—a luxurious item akin to the latest iPhone models in later years.

In 2003, when the average laborer earned just three to four hundred yuan a month, an eight-thousand-yuan phone would take almost two years' savings without eating or drinking. This revealed how affluent Bai Jiaxin's family was.

"What's your number?" Bai Jiaxin asked curiously.

"I don't have a phone. Quickly put that away. It could attract thieves," Zhao Feng said in a low voice.

"Hmm, you're so impressive. Zhu Yiqun and Qian Dapeng were scared stiff, and you're this brave despite your size. Who gave you the courage?" Bai Jiaxin asked, retracting her phone.

"Liang Jing...ru," Zhao Feng started but hesitated mid-sentence. He quickly corrected himself and said irritably, "Wait, what... who says I'm short? My height is 1.75 meters and my weight is sixty kilograms—standard height and weight for boys."

"Your height is about the same as mine. You're claiming you're not short? Not as tall as a girl," Bai Jiaxin mocked.

Screech!

The two-way bus suddenly braked, pulling to a stop at the station. The driver shouted loudly, "Second Middle School has reached the stop. Students, get off the bus quickly. Don't waste time."

Students began getting off the bus, entering the spacious Second Middle School campus to head toward their respective exam locations.

Zhao Feng and Bai Jiaxin shared the same examination hall, walking and chatting with laughter until they found their assigned seats.

The examination bell rang. They had math and language in the morning and English and comprehensive exams in the afternoon.

Two invigilators entered the examination hall, distributing question papers and answer sheets. The bell rang again, signaling the official start of the exams.

Zhao Feng wrote quickly, his movements like wind as he tackled the math problems. They were no challenge for him. After filling in the answer sheet and giving it a quick check, he finished and handed it in within the first hour.

The invigilators exchanged glances, collecting Zhao Feng's answer sheet and continuing their duties.

Bai Jiaxin looked up slightly, her expression tinged with disappointment. She wasn't yet done with her major questions, while Zhao Feng had already handed in his exam. This was an important test across the city, determining who might have the opportunity to gain entry to prestigious universities.

Zhao Feng leisurely walked out of the school, heading toward the nearby bun shop at the school's entrance. His stomach had been empty all morning from skipping breakfast in his hurry to catch the bus. Sitting down and eating beef buns with porridge and tea eggs brought much-needed comfort to his empty belly.

He would finish the other three exams just as easily, always being the first to finish and leave without regard for the strange glances from invigilators and other students. He was arrogant, careless even.

As the sunset turned the sky golden and the day gave way to evening, Zhao Feng paused at the school gate, recalling that Bai Jiaxin had a hard time navigating the bus home. He lit a cigarette and stood there, waiting as students continued pouring out of the gates.

The school bell rang again as the comprehensive exam concluded. Bai Jiaxin emerged from the crowd, the last to leave the school grounds.

"Bai, finally out?" Zhao Feng greeted, waving.

"You're still here waiting for me?" she asked curiously.

"Well, I'm a good person. If I don't send you home, I wouldn't feel at ease. Insomnia is a terrible thing," Zhao Feng said.

"Don't give me that. You're not a good person. You finish your exams early every time—you must think you're invincible, huh?" Bai Jiaxin retorted.

"The test was too easy. I double-checked everything and just wanted to get some fresh air," Zhao Feng bragged.

"You're just a little bull in a rocket—dream on, you'll never fly that high," Bai Jiaxin mocked.

"I'm not boasting. I really did finish the test," Zhao Feng said helplessly.

They had a conversation as the bus arrived. Zhao Feng offered to give her a ride, and they got into a nearby taxi together.

"Take me home first, my place is Wan Hao Mansion," Bai Jiaxin said.

"Driver, first Wan Hao Mansion, then the western suburbs. How much is it?" Zhao Feng asked.

"Ten yuan," the driver replied casually.

"How about eight?" Zhao Feng bargained.

"Young man, people who live in Wan Hao Mansion are millionaires. You're two yuan short," the driver teased.

"I live in the suburbs, not a millionaire. Five mao would be enough," Zhao Feng said, handing the driver a cigarette to sweeten the deal.

The driver grumbled and agreed as they drove off. Bai Jiaxin, looking out the window, began to smile slyly. She thought to herself that Zhao Feng was becoming more interesting with each encounter, with his bargaining antics showing her a side of him that was both amusing and charming.

White Jiaxin's smile deepened as she leaned back in her seat, her thoughts swirling. She had grown up in a life of luxury, her parents doting on her every wish, and her world was a playground of material wealth. Yet, here was Zhao Feng, a boy from a much simpler background.

[--------------------------------------------]

Enjoyed the chapter?

If you want early access to +10 Advance chapters and to support the continuation of this story, consider subscribing to my Patreon. Your support means a lot and helps me bring more great content to you!

Join me on Patreon: Patreon.com/flokixy